Want your poinsettia to bloom again?
It’s easier than you think!
Follow these 6 simple steps to bring back those beautiful flowers.
Ready to see your poinsettia thrive?
Let’s get started!
Exploring Poinsettia Bloom
Most people think the colorful parts of Poinsettias are the flowers, but they’re actually bracts—modified leaves. The real flowers are small and found in the center of these bracts.
Poinsettias are famous for their red color, but you’d be surprised at how many other colors they come in. You can find them in creamy pink, and pink. Some even sport a mix of colors like red and white or light orange.
These plants are ‘short-day’ plants, meaning they bloom when the days get shorter. With the right care, you can make sure your Poinsettias bloom again next Christmas.
Step #1: Pruning Your Poinsettia
After the flowering season, it’s time to prune your Poinsettia. You’ll know it’s the right moment when the bracts begin shriveling and falling off, usually around January. Trim down the stems to about 6 inches above the soil line. Keep 2-3 leaves on each stem to promote new growth. Pruning also helps maintain a tidy appearance for your Christmas plant.
Step #2: Bi-Monthly Fertilization
Right after pruning your Poinsettia and spotting new growth, it’s time to provide some extra nutrients. Choose an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer and follow the directions on the label to prepare it.
For the best results, feed your Poinsettia every two weeks.
Meanwhile, keep an eye on the watering. The plant needs water when the top two inches of the soil feel dry.
Step #3: Outdoor Care for Summer
If you live in warmer climates, moving your Poinsettias outdoors for the summer can help encourage reblooming. For those in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, your plants will thrive outside.
Wait until all danger of frost has passed, usually by late May. Remove your Poinsettia from its original container before moving it outside. Select a location that gets bright morning sun but some shade during the hot summer afternoons. This spot will provide the best conditions for your plant to flourish throughout the summer months.
Step #4: Fall Repotting
When fall arrives, it’s crucial to bring your Poinsettias indoors before nighttime temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. After a summer of growth, they’ll likely need a larger container. Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent the roots from sitting in water, which can lead to root rot.
Use loose, quick-draining potting soil mixed with peat moss to ensure proper drainage. This type of soil will help keep your Poinsettias healthy. By taking these steps, you’ll create an ideal environment for your plants to thrive indoors during the colder months.
Step #5: Indoor Care
Ensure your Poinsettia gets the right light conditions by placing it in a room where it can receive 10 hours of bright light and 14 hours of complete darkness each day. This uninterrupted darkness is key, as even minimal light, such as from streetlights or TVs, can impact flowering.
If you don’t have a suitable room, use a large cardboard box to cover the plant for those 14 hours. Keep it fully closed to prevent any light from disrupting the dark period. Effective management of light exposure will help your Poinsettia produce beautiful blooms.
Step #6: Maintaining Poinsettia Health
Poinsettias take around two months to develop new bracts. If you see the flower color isn’t the same as before, don’t worry. Many Poinsettias are dyed for sale, so unusual colors like purple with glitter aren’t natural.
When you notice new bracts, move your Poinsettias to your desired location. During colder months, remember to reduce feeding and fertilization.
That’s it! Keep following these tips, and your Poinsettias will bloom beautifully next Christmas!